This week marks the end of another successful Beach Sports season. I would like to congratulate all who have participated in any of our sports so far this year. Without your dedicated support, we wouldn't be able to provide such a Fun and Friendly Fitness option for you all to enjoy. All of our finals this week were of excellent standard and the sportsmanship of all our competitors throughout the entire season is to be applauded.
Soccer - Wilma seemed to be in total control for the most part of the season, losing only one game to their counterparts, Randoms, early on in the year. Defending champions Randoms had it a little tougher, with a few draws and three consecutive losses going into the final. Despite this, and despite Randoms also missing one of their star players, Kiro (who left on an overseas holiday 2 weeks ago), they weren't about to give to game up. The first 20 mins were tight, tempers almost at the boil and with the score at 2 all going into the break, you could feel the tension in the air.
Second half began and it were as if Wilma had been re-energised. 4 goals in succession and a 6-2 lead with under 10 mins to play, it seemed as though the champs were down and out. Unfortunately for Wilma, that wasn't what Randoms had in mind. Sheer determination with 5 mins left to play, Randoms girls scored two brilliant goals, and when the full time whistle blew scores were again locked at 6 all.
Golden Point extra time was implemented, but after 5 more mins and countless close shots by the Randoms, scores were still tied. Teams changed ends, the ball was kicked off by Wilma, an awkward bounce, the keeper fumbled it, and the ball was put into the back of the net. Wilma were the winners, it seemed a shame for such a high quality match to be decided like it was, but one team had to be victorious. Congratulations Wilma, an outstanding season and a fantastic final.
Volleyball - This final was always going to be a close battle. Rockstars punishing every team they played all season, undefeated in 9 season matches, the top eight showdown and the semi-finals. Due to a rained out match however, they hadn't played their rivals yet this year. Merv, three time defending champions and confident on winning their forth title, were not going to go down without a fight.
Our new -5 rule was brought in to level the playing field between the aggressive Merv boys and our more social mixed sides at the beginning of this season, but when Merv won 8 out of the first 10 points it seemed that the boys were on a mission. Leading for the majority of the first set the Merv boys lost a little momentum, and with Rockstars leading 22-18 it seemed that the boys were in trouble. 7 points later in an unbelievable feat, Merv had won the set 25-22.
Second set, the Merv boys were not so dominating, struggling to get back after starting 5 down. There were some awesome rallys and some fantastic spike shots, but they boys couldn't make back the margin eventually going down 25-15. Third and final set, Rockstars seemed in their groove, dominating Merv on serve and towering above them at the net. They increased their lead from 5 to 10 within the first 20 points of the set, and it was up to Merv to dig deep and make the points back.
A few umpire interventions were made in relation to touching the net during the point, but the boys didn't seem to be making much ground. A brilliant shot off the net by the Rockstars to take an 18-9 lead sent Merv's spirits diving. An amazing match and perhaps the dawn of a Rockstars era. 18-25, 25-15, 25 - 9
Footy - Two of our most dedicated teams were set to do battle on the wet Wednesday evening. Previous winners and last seasons runners-up, Eagles prepared to take on the ever-competitive That's Gold. We had had alot of wet Wednesday nights, not to mention being interrupted by state of origin only a fortnight ago, but that wasn't going to deter our finalists from taking to the sand in what was an intense match.
That's Gold opened the scoring early with one of the fastest tries of the season, just over 1 min into the game. From there they continued to play well, but not quite making the most of the opportunity granted to them on the back of alot of mistakes by the Eagles side. Before long Eagles got the equaliser, but after a beautiful kick chase, That's Gold were again on top 1 min later. From here on in the Eagles skill began to show, and frustration got the better of That's Gold. Eagles putting together 5 consecutive points to end the half with a commanding 6-2 lead.
Second half began a little closer as That's Gold focussed on limiting their mistakes and maximising their attack. The play went from one end of the field to the other, with plenty of metres gained by both teams, and some really great footy being played. Players on both teams began to tire, and as Eagles racked up 2 more tries, That's Gold began to look shaky. Another try to an Eagles girl got them to 10, but That's Gold never gave up the fight scoring the last try of the match on the buzzer to finish the game.
A few tight calls that could have gone either way, but that's footy, and speaking as an umpire and a referee, we can only call it as we see it. All in all it was a great game of Beach Footy, played at an awesome pace, by some of our best players. Congratulations to Eagles, now twice victorious, and perhaps looking to take the clean sweep this year.
Thanks again everyone for your ongoing support. We hope to have a Winter Competition up and running within the next few weeks. Also for our winners we will try and have a BBQ and presentation of medallions, as well as the unveiling of our winners board in the coming weeks so stay posted.
Signing off...
Ben Geist
See ya on the Sand!!
